Piping Plover Birds Edit page

Every summer, Sandy Pointe Lake in Ashland, Nebraska becomes home to one of the region’s most unique and protected shorebirds — the Piping Plover. These small migratory birds travel thousands of miles each year and rely on sandy shorelines and open habitat areas like those found around the Platte River system to nest and raise their young.

The Piping Plover is federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and is considered an important conservation species throughout Nebraska. Along with the Interior Least Tern, these birds have become an important part of the natural ecosystem connected to the Lower Platte River region. According to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Least Tern and Piping Plover Conservation Partnership, Sandy Pointe Lake continues to provide valuable off-river nesting habitat that supports ongoing conservation and monitoring efforts.

Researchers and conservation teams monitor nesting activity each year throughout eastern Nebraska, including Sandy Pointe Lake. Sandy Pointe recorded active Piping Plover nesting activity during the season, helping contribute to the long-term recovery and protection of the species.

At Sandy Pointe, we are proud to share our community with these remarkable birds. Their annual return serves as a reminder of the unique natural environment surrounding our lake and the importance of balancing recreation, development, and wildlife conservation. We encourage residents and visitors to respect marked nesting areas during the summer months so future generations can continue to enjoy seeing these rare birds call Sandy Pointe home.

Piping Plovers can arrive at Sandy Pointe as early as late March each year. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for these birds nesting on their beach or neighboring shoreline areas during the spring and summer months.

Piping Plovers are especially attracted to natural pebble and sandy beach areas for nesting. Waiting to rake, groom, or harrow beaches in early spring can help preserve suitable nesting habitat for these protected birds.

If you believe you have spotted a nesting Piping Plover, please avoid disturbing the area and notify a Sandy Pointe board member as soon as possible. The board can then coordinate with the State of Nebraska and conservation officials so protective measures, such as temporary nesting enclosures, can be installed to help protect the birds from predators during the nesting period.

The nesting season typically only lasts a couple of months, and it is a unique opportunity to witness one of Nebraska’s rare protected shorebirds raising its young right here at Sandy Pointe Lake.